DUSHANBE, February 2013, 2013, Asia-Plus – The OSCE Office in Tajikistan today hosted a one-day seminar on small hydropower in Tajikistan.

The seminar was held in cooperation with the Tajik-Norwegian Small Hydropower Development Center, under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan.

During the event a new concept for improving the investment climate in the small hydropower sector was presented. The concept was drafted by an inter-ministerial working group and is now at the Tajik Parliament awaiting evaluation and approval.

Some 40 representatives of Tajik authorities, the international development community and local project developers discussed the concept, current situation and future opportunities in the small hydropower sector in the country, as well as the results of past and ongoing projects.

“The use of renewable energy, in particular hydropower, is a pillar of the ‘green economy’ and the sustainable development of a country,” said Hans Peter Larsen, the Acting Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

“Tajikistan with its natural resources has a potential for the development of the small hydropower sector. The OSCE supports the Tajik authorities in designing a contemporary regulatory framework to help develop this key sector.  Today’s event is part of these efforts.”